collimating tool recommendations?

[skywalker]

Are they all pretty much the same in terms of easy of use and quality?

[umadog]

Pretty much, unless you fork out substantially more cash. The only thing to avoid are the cheaper laser collimators. You're probably best off with a Cheshire/Sight-Tube combo tool.

[skywalker]

Thanks. I actually was looking at a cheap laser version, they seem so easy to use and are, well cheap.

[nicnac]

some of the cheaper ones can loose its own collimation

try this, i have one and they are good.

First Light Optics - Cheshire Collimating Eyepiece

i have a Hotech too mind, for fine tuning

First Light Optics - HoTech SCA laser collimator

[RikM]

some of the cheaper ones can loose its own collimation

try this, i have one and they are good.

First Light Optics - Cheshire Collimating Eyepiece

i have a Hotech too mind, for fine tuning

First Light Optics - HoTech SCA laser collimator

I do it the other way round. A laser for simple visual observation if I stick the Dob in the car. But a Cheshire to get it spot on for imaging.

[skywalker]

Thanks. Ordered!

[nicnac]

I do it the other way round. A laser for simple visual observation if I stick the Dob in the car. But a Cheshire to get it spot on for imaging.

i tried the other way but got better results using the Hotech after, on star test anyway

to be honest, i think i just like to fiddle for perfection (as that is for me anyway)

which did you opt for skywalker?

[skywalker]

The Cheshire

[Phil4130]

I use a cheshire . I have also on the bottom of my scope next to each collimating screw written with permanent marker the direction each screw has an effect. For example in = a left arrow out = a right arrow. I can now collimate very quickly everytime.

[skywalker]

What effect will you see in an uncollimated scope?

[nicnac]

rubbish contrast is the quick answer

[skywalker]

I'll accept that!

Thanks

[skywalker]

Recieved it today but i came with instructions what so ever. Can anyone give me some guidance?

[nicnac]

Nip onto google, type in astrobabys guide to collimation n follow that, its decent

[skywalker]

Thanks

[nicnac]

sorry, couldnt place a link before as i was on the mobile

here you go

Astro Babys Guide to Collimation

there are others too but this one suits

[Smudgeypoo]

I am new to this and maybe don't understand what collimation even is really but I quite fancy the Ho-tech....then again that's just me.

(No, I have not looked at them. Just going with the name)

[umadog]

This is a good guide: John Reed Home Page Collimation - Cheshire

The order of the steps matters